FRANÇAIS

Rooibos

Author: Charlotte Dibden

Student, French

1.      An Afrikaans word meaning “red bush”

2.      A plant grown exclusively in the Cedarberg region of South Africa used in the production of herbal tea infusions. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Dutch explorers were some of the first Europeans to use Rooibos tisane; it was less expensive than tradition black tea. The scientific word for Rooibos is Aspalathus linearis.

3.      Rooibos acts as a link between South African culture and the world. It has become a popular tea outside of South Africa in the last few years. South Africa exports several thousand tonnes annually to countries such as Germany, Japan, the United States, Canada, the Netherlands and England.

4.      A tisane that reminds me of my South African family and friends. It’s not only a tea or a hot drink, but also a friend and companion that is part of my memories.

5.      A taste and smell that is reminiscent of my trips to South Africa, of my time spent in Paris with my South African friends and of daily comforts. When I drink Rooibos, I remember feelings and sensations that symbolise old vacations and adventures with family and friends.

6.      The thing that is overflowing from my suitcase when I return to Canada from South Africa. The thing that I don’t declare at customs and that I share with my Canadian friends.

7.      Something that represents where my family comes from, that represents the difficult history of a country in search of its collective identity after centuries of conflict.

8.      When mixed with regular black tea (Red Rose), it produces a hybrid tea made of symbolic aspects of Afrikaans and English cultures. It’s a hybrid through which I am able to express what South Africa means to me: a unique composition made up of elements from all its diverse cultures.

Bibliography

 

Rooibos. Wikipedia : The Free Encyclopedia. 2008. 16 novembre 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooibos>

 

Rooibos History. South African Rooibos Council. 16 novembre 2008 <http://sarooibos.co.za/content/view/31/79/>